Podcasts about biggerpockets money

You're eager to build serious wealth, but the idea of managing tenants, fixing toilets, handling trash issues, and dealing with the endless headaches that come with real estate investing makes you cringe. Even though we're the world's largest platform for real estate investors, we totally understand that the landlord life isn't suited for everyone. The great news? Real estate is definitely not your only ticket to wealth. There are five other proven methods to accumulate serious money that won't have you answering frantic tenant calls at 2 A.M. On today's episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy and Scott team up to reveal the five most effective wealth-building strategies that don't require purchasing a single rental property. These approaches are accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of your current salary or existing savings account balance. Some of these strategies are extremely passive, needing only a few minutes monthly to kickstart your wealth accumulation, while others have the potential to dramatically boost your earnings but demand considerably more active participation. In this episode, you'll learn: The five ways to get rich WITHOUT investing in real estate  The four “levers” of wealth you can pull to level up your financial lifestyle “Boring” businesses and HUGE investment opportunities for those in their 20s, 30s, or 40s Job hopping and why you could be underpaid and overworked at your current role The investment accounts that can expedite your path to becoming a millionaire The super passive investment anyone can use to build massive wealth in the background And SO Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying a house, maxing out your 401(k), and leveraging real estate are considered the gold standard for building wealth, but what if these strategies are actually sabotaging your early retirement? Today, we're diving into the controversial "middle-class trap" debate with Brad Barrett from the ChooseFI podcast! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Is your net worth locked up in home equity and retirement accounts you can't access? Brad, Mindy, and Scott are having a friendly but fierce debate about whether this middle-class trap is real or just financial fear-mongering, breaking down strategies to avoid it and revealing the ideal portfolio for early retirees. In this episode, you'll learn: If the Middle Class Trap is real or not! The difference between your Net Worth vs. FI Number The Psychological Barriers to Financial Freedom And SO Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amanda Wolfe built a 300K+ community from her bedroom—but that's not where her story starts. Growing up in poverty, with parents addicted to drugs, Amanda moved 12 times before sixth grade. She became the first person in her family to graduate college, only to discover that a salary alone wasn't enough to build financial security. In this candid conversation, Amanda reveals how staying at her first job for 12 years became her biggest financial mistake, how she finally doubled her income, and why most people are financially stuck—even with “good jobs.” Kendall and Amanda break down why financial literacy is the real ABCs of adulthood, and how anyone can start building true financial freedom—without waiting for the perfect moment. They unpack the toxic comfort zones keeping people stuck, why obsessing over specific financial goals changes everything, and how to prepare financially before making a career pivot. Plus, Amanda shares the unfiltered truth about side hustles, social media income myths, and why most influencers don't make real money from followers alone. In this episode, we discuss: What should you do if you feel financially behind in your 30s? How much should you really save in your emergency fund? Is it worth staying at a job just for comfort? How to overcome fear when changing jobs or negotiating salary? Do side hustles and social media actually make real money? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v  That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind   Amanda Wolfe I'm a self-taught financial educator who has built a community of over 300,000+ people to increase financial literacy for all. I was born into extreme poverty, and despite it all, I've reached a point in my 30s where I could stop saving any money and still retire comfortably in my early 40s.I have partnered with multi-million dollar corporations, created multiple money management courses, am a regular contributor to BiggerPockets Money podcast, and founded SHEWOLFEOFWALLSTREET, a community where I help thousands of friends, families, and strangers create debt payoff strategies, budgets and invest so that they can achieve financial freedom. Website: shewolfeofwallstreet.com and our Instagram page.

The 4% rule just got a major update! Bill Bengen, the creator of the famous 4% withdrawal rule, returns to share his latest research that's changing retirement planning forever. Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Discover why he's now recommending a 4.7% withdrawal rate and what this means for YOUR retirement strategy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Bill Bengen updated his iconic 4% rule after decades of research The psychology behind why retirees struggle to actually spend their money How market conditions should influence your withdrawal strategy The role real estate plays in a well-diversified retirement portfolio Active vs. passive management strategies for retirees How younger retirees should approach their investment timeline differently Why protecting your principal matters more than maximizing returns The importance of controlling expenses and finding purpose beyond money And SO Much More! Whether you're planning for retirement or already retired, this conversation will reshape how you think about withdrawal rates, portfolio management, and creating a sustainable financial future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Money—it's the number one thing that keeps new investors from buying a rental property. Maybe you've got your market and buy box figured out, but the finances? Not so much. But not to worry—today, we've brought a personal finance expert on to help with these common challenges. Whether you're starting from zero or already working hard to build a financial foundation, this episode is for you!   Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Amberly Grant, fellow real estate investor and co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, joins the show to share her own personal finance tips for someone who's looking to break into real estate investing. Whether you're deep in debt or struggling to save, Amberly has been in your shoes and provides a clear blueprint anyone can use to get from point A to buying a rental in record time.   Along the way, we'll point out some financial red flags that could be keeping you broke and show you how to break free. We'll also share with you how to create an anti-budget that makes saving easy, the best place to stash your real estate funds, and creative ways to increase your income so you can throw even more money at that first down payment! In This Episode We Cover How to save for your first rental property—even if you're starting from scratch Simple steps you can take today to get your financial house in order The financial red flags that could be keeping you broke (and how to break free) Creating an anti-budget that fast-tracks saving for a down payment How to diversify your investment portfolio (beyond real estate!) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-570 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you really need an LLC for rentals? What kind of insurance should you get? With so many questions (and confusion) surrounding asset protection for real estate investors, we've brought on an expert to set the record straight so you can protect your assets—without going overboard or breaking the bank! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we're chatting with real estate attorney and fellow investor Bonnie Galam about the nuances of asset protection. The truth is that there are two sides to this coin, but most investors only focus on the defensive or “reactive” side. Bonnie will show you the keys to 360-degree protection—like setting up strong legal structures before problems arise and the essential documentation you should have from day one. You'll also learn about the potential pitfalls of equity partnerships, how personal events can put your properties at risk, and why car insurance and prenups matter more for your portfolio than you might think. Asset protection doesn't have to be complicated, but it does need to be strategic, and this episode will help you prioritize what's important now, what can wait, and how to create a legal framework that evolves as your real estate portfolio grows! In This Episode We Cover: Two sides of asset protection to focus on when starting a real estate business Three actionable steps new investors can take to protect their assets today Why you need to create an estate plan (even if you don't have rentals yet!) How much you should expect to pay for different types of legal protection Debt versus equity partnerships (and why one is better for asset protection) And So Much More! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you invest consistently, reaching FIRE (financial independence, retire early) by your mid-40s is absolutely possible. These two financial-freedom-chasing twins are proof of it! Only in their 20s, both Andy and Oliver from Twin Finances have six-figure net worths, rental properties, and fully-loaded stock accounts! Conveniently, right after getting their first jobs, they found out about the FIRE movement, and have been quickly approaching their FIRE numbers ever since! Andy and Oliver have made substantial financial progress in just six years by doing what's simple—a “set it and forget it” investing strategy that means less stress and faster FIRE. With $2M FIRE goals each, they've got a big gap to fill, but starting in their 20s gives them a huge leg up. In this episode, they break down their net worths, assets, and how they balance stocks and real estate to stay on track for FIRE by 45!  Are you new to the FIRE movement? Check out Andy and Oliver's beginner channel for personal finance, Twin Finances, and subscribe to BiggerPockets Money! In This Episode We Cover The “set it and forget it” investing strategy for FIRE by your mid-40s  Why you MUST be flexible with your FIRE number as your life changes  How to handle market corrections and crashes without losing your FIRE progress  Andy and Oliver's impressive net worths (they're only in their 20s!) Combining rental properties and consistent stock investing to diversify your FIRE income And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-645 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No, Taxes Won't Derail Your FIRE: Here's What You'll Really Pay in Retirement Podcast Description Taxes in retirement have been called a “silent wealth killer” for those pursuing FIRE—but does the data tell a different story? If you're worried about a ticking tax bomb wiping out a huge chunk of your investment portfolio or even delaying early retirement, you won't want to miss this one! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we're joined by fellow investor and self-proclaimed data nerd Mark Livingstone, who has created a free resource and spreadsheet YOU can use to estimate your tax burden in retirement. For most early retirees, taxes are negligible compared to the amount of income they can withdraw, and Mark will demonstrate this with a step-by-step walkthrough of his powerful FIRE tax tool! Along the way, you'll learn the key differences between marginal and effective tax rates and why people who retire today pay much less tax than in decades prior. You'll also hear about the four income “levers” you can pull in retirement, when income tax and capital gains tax kick in, and how to build the most tax-friendly withdrawal strategy possible! In This Episode We Cover Why taxes in retirement aren't nearly as bad as you probably think A step-by-step walkthrough of Mark's free retirement tax spreadsheet How the United States' progressive income tax system works Marginal and effective tax rates explained (and how they impact your tax burden) The four income “levers” you can pull in retirement (and how each is taxed) How taxes impact the safe withdrawal rate (and why the 4% rule works) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-642 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BiggerPockets' CEO Scott Trench announces his decision to step down as CEO, and focus full-time efforts on personal finance content with BiggerPockets Money. We also welcome BiggerPockets' new CEO, Ale Ayestaran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paying for college is one of the biggest financial hurdles families face—even as you're chasing or approaching FIRE. What's the smartest way to save for higher education while also securing your financial future? Scott, Mindy, and Amberly are breaking it all down on today's episode! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! There are several ways to fund your child's education, and if you're actively building wealth, you likely have even more options at your disposal. We'll show you how to find “free” money through government grants and scholarships, but since these could be off the table for those who are pursuing financial independence, we'll also compare popular college savings accounts—like the 529 college savings plan and UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) account. If you want to limit your tax liability, one option reigns supreme! We know this is a personal decision, and you shouldn't be guilted into one direction or the other. Whether you're saving for your own children, your grandkids, or just curious about how to balance college tuition costs with FIRE goals, we'll equip you with a practical roadmap for funding education on your own terms—one that keeps you on track to retire early! In This Episode We Cover How Scott, Mindy, and Amberly are funding their children's college education The pros and cons of 529 college savings plans versus UTMA accounts How to uncover “free money” to help pay for college tuition costs State-specific tax benefits to keep in mind when contributing to a 529 plan Securing your financial future before saving for higher education And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-639 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you reached financial independence…before knowing what it was? That's what happened to Chris Rusin. After discovering the FIRE movement and stumbling across Mindy and Carl's blog, he realized he was already at his goal. Then, early retirement unlocked a new life full of wild adventures, creative rebirth, and deeper purpose! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Chris had been hustling, saving money, and chasing financial freedom for years before experiencing a big wake-up call. He encountered a half-billionaire who, despite “having it all,” was deeply unhappy and filled with regret. That moment sparked a shift—not toward more money, but toward more meaning. Since then, Chris has dived for treasure with Navy SEALs, unearthed dinosaur fossils, and much more—all before turning 50! But he's also faced his fair share of fear and uncertainty. After receiving a cancer diagnosis and losing his voice to chemotherapy, he made a promise: if his voice came back, he'd finally record the album he'd dreamed of making. And he did. Stick around till the very end to hear the “world premiere” of Chris' brand-new song! In This Episode We Cover What really happens after you achieve financial independence Designing your “dream” life once you reach early retirement How to maintain a sense of purpose after retiring from your nine-to-five The secret to weathering major portfolio swings in retirement A BiggerPockets-exclusive live rendition of Chris' brand-new song And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-636 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fear that early retirement is out of the question because you have too much debt? It's not game over. Whether you're debt-free or still chipping away at your student loans, today's guests are proof that FIRE is never too far out of reach—even if you've got half a million dollars in debt! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Amirra and Mazi Condelee's first date was an all-timer. While many consider personal finance a taboo topic, they cut right to the money talk—specifically, debt. And it was a good thing they did because they've racked up a combined $500,000 in student debt. Most would assume this spells doom for financial independence, but Amirra and Mazi knew they could pay it off by increasing their income, cutting costs, and staying disciplined. In just five years, they've snowballed out of student loan debt and toward their long-term goal—retiring in their 50s. Now that this power couple is nearly debt-free, they're focused on saving for retirement. Tune in to learn what they still need to do to reach their (high) FIRE number, why they refuse to downsize their dreams, and how they plan to spend their retirement! In This Episode We Cover How Amirra and Mazi crushed $500,000 in student loan debt in just five years Best practices for paying off debt and fast-tracking financial independence How to determine whether your FIRE number is too high (or low!) The money conversations you and your partner NEED to have How to “travel hack” your way to FREE vacations (without spending more) And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-634 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wealth and health are closely intertwined, especially here in the US, where the high cost of healthcare can put significant financial pressure on families. But is there a remedy to these exorbitant expenses that Americans are missing? Stay tuned and we'll show you how to negotiate your medical bills—even if you've reached FIRE! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Unpredictable healthcare costs keep many would-be retirees tethered to their nine-to-five jobs, but today's guest has a solution. Jared Walker founded Dollar For, a nonprofit organization that has helped erase over $83 million in medical costs for everyday Americans. How? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires many healthcare providers to offer a program that discounts costs for patients, so Jared and his team simply use it to negotiate people's medical bills on their behalf. High healthcare costs affect everyone, whether you're facing hardship, trying to reach financial independence, or already retired. In this episode, Jared will share tips anyone can use to minimize their healthcare costs and negotiate their own medical bills! In This Episode We Cover How to negotiate and lower your medical bills (even if you're retired) Saving thousands on healthcare with this Affordable Care Act (ACA) program How to use cash payments as leverage when negotiating medical debt The healthcare “hack” that helps you spot erroneous or exorbitant charges The two best ways to proactively minimize healthcare costs And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-633 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of ChooseFI, Brad Barrett is joined by Mindy from BiggerPockets Money and Chris from Can I Retire Yet? to explore the concept of the "middle-class trap." They discuss the challenges faced by many middle-class individuals who appear wealthy on paper, yet find themselves financially restricted due to their assets being tied up in home equity and retirement accounts. The conversation dives into financial independence strategies, the psychological aspect of personal finance, and how to navigate the feeling of being "trapped" financially. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Middle-Class Trap (00:02:37): Individuals may appear wealthy due to equity but feel financially restricted due to inaccessibility of funds in retirement accounts. The Role of Home Equity (00:14:18): Home equity should not be included in your financial independence (FI) number unless you plan to sell the house. Psychological Impact of Personal Finance (00:05:12): The emotional aspect plays a significant role in how individuals view their financial situations, often leading to feelings of being trapped. Multiple Financial Options Exist (00:11:42): It's crucial for individuals to understand the various strategies available to access their funds before retirement age. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Middle-Class Trap Setting the stage for the discussion about financial independence and retirement strategies. 00:01:59 - Mindy's Perspective Mindy introduces the concept and discusses her experiences with clients caught in the middle-class trap. 00:04:27 - Chris's Rebuttal Chris provides insights and alternative views regarding the concept of feeling "trapped" financially. 00:11:42 - Importance of Education Discusses how understanding financial choices can alleviate the feeling of being trapped. 00:21:01 - Financial Independence Strategies Different strategies including the Roth IRA conversion ladder, allowing early access to retirement funds. 00:53:01 - Addressing the Feeling of Being Trapped Emphasizes the psychological aspect of finance and personal finance education. 00:55:12 - Conclusion Wraps up the episode with actionable takeaways and a focus on education. Actionable Takeaways: Evaluate Your Net Worth (00:41:02): Understand which assets you can access and how to plan for FI. Diversify Investments (00:29:40): Consider balancing investments in taxable brokerage accounts alongside retirement accounts. Learn About the Roth IRA Conversion Ladder (00:29:00): A significant strategy for accessing retirement funds early without penalties. Related Resources: Brandon's Article on Accessing Retirement Funds Early (00:28:19) ChooseFI Episode 475 - How to Access Retirement Accounts Before 59 and a Half (00:28:19) FAQs: What is the middle-class trap? The middle-class trap refers to individuals who seem wealthy but find their assets inaccessible, mostly tied up in home equity and retirement accounts. (00:02:37) How can I access my retirement funds before 59 and a half? Strategies include the Roth IRA conversion ladder and substantially equal periodic payments. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance. (00:28:19) Discussion Questions: How does the middle-class trap affect your perception of financial independence? (00:05:12) What strategies can you implement to better access your funds in retirement? (00:28:19) Does home equity play a significant role in determining your financial independence? (00:14:18)

We're coming off one of the wildest weeks in stock market history. How are retirees reacting to these massive swings? How should you adjust your FIRE portfolio in case there are even more turbulent times ahead? We're chatting with someone who's in the loop! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Emma von Weise, certified financial planner (CFP), returns to the show to give her perspective on the recent stock market volatility. She'll share what her clients are doing and the course of action she recommends for those who are worried about their nest egg crumbling. Times like these prove you need an investment plan. If you don't already have one, Emma will show you how to create it. You'll also learn how a few years of cash distributions can help you protect your investments and keep you from selling stocks at a loss. Are bonds actually a “safe haven” for investors? We'll make sense of rising yields and, finally, share a tax strategy YOU can take advantage of during a stock market slide to trim your taxable income! In This Episode We Cover How to adjust your FIRE portfolio after recent stock market volatility How cash distributions protect retirees from selling stocks low in a downturn Why you need to create an investment plan today (if you don't have one!) How to balance “growth” and “safety” in your investment portfolio Why bond yields have spiked after a huge sell-off (and whether you should buy) Offsetting capital gains from stocks through tax-loss harvesting And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel! Get $100 Off Your Ticket to BPCon2025 BiggerPockets Money 120 - Are FIRE Naysayers Bad at Math? Yes. with Michael Kitces “A Guided Meditation for When the Stock Market Is Dropping” Emma's LinkedIn Fine-Tune Your FIRE Portfolio with “Set for Life” Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 120 - Are FIRE Naysayers Bad at Math? Yes. with Michael Kitces Connect with Carl Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-631 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to reach FIRE by 45, even on a teacher's salary or an average income? Today's guest is proving that, yes, you can retire early, regardless of your paycheck. It may be a little harder than it is for high-income earners, but with frugality, discipline, and smart investments, regular people can achieve FIRE! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! At just 31 years old, Kat has been diligently maxing out her retirement accounts, saving a ton of cash, and making enormous strides towards retiring by age 45. Most would say this is a long shot for someone with a teacher's salary, but thanks to a high savings rate and savvy financial decisions, Kat is right on track to reach her lofty goal. The real question is, should she? Kat will need to grind for the next 15 years to retire on her original timeline. Is it worth taking an extra couple of years to reach financial independence if it prevents burnout? In this episode, Mindy and Amberly will break down Kat's options, help her avoid the dreaded middle-class trap, and give her a roadmap for achieving FIRE quickly while also enjoying the journey! In This Episode We Cover Kat's roadmap to FIRE by age 45 (on a teacher's salary!) Why you DON'T need to be a high income earner to retire early When to stop contributing to retirement accounts and pivot to other investments Giving yourself financial flexibility by saving cash (and how to deploy it) When you should (and shouldn't) pay off your mortgage early Why it's worth taking extra time to enjoy the journey to financial independence And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook Subscribe to the BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel! The Simple Path to Wealth The Fioneers Coast FI Calculator FIRE Faster with the Book, “Set for Life” Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 259 - Pensions 101: Are Pensions Worth It? w/ Grumpus Maximus Connect with Amberly Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-629 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no arguing that real estate and stocks are the two most proven ways to build wealth, but which one comes out on top in a race to FIRE? Stay tuned as we put these investment vehicles to the test and show you the fastest path to early retirement! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Mindy and guest co-host Amberly Grant are pitting real estate investing and stock investing against each other to determine which of these popular investments is most FIRE-friendly. The best part? They don't exactly agree! First, Amberly will defend the position of real estate investing. From house hacking and live-in flips to out-of-state investing, there are several strategies you can use to create monthly cash flow, build wealth through appreciation, and save a fortune on taxes! Meanwhile, Mindy will defend her time-tested stock investing strategy. Along the way, she'll share the many advantages of passive investing, compare 60/40 and 90/10 stock-to-bond investment portfolios, and show you the ideal portfolio mix for those who plan to retire on the 4% rule. YOU decide which of our financially independent hosts has the strongest case! In This Episode We Cover Real estate versus stocks (and which will help you FIRE faster) How YOU can “live for free” with the house hacking strategy Saving hundreds of thousands in taxes with the live-in flip strategy How to turn your rental properties passive by investing out of state The perfect stock portfolio allocation for retiring on the 4% rule And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-626 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we headed right for a recession, or are stocks on sale? We don't own a crystal ball, but Ricky Mulvey from The Motley Fool is capitalizing on the recent stock market swing by loading up on some of his favorite equities. Stay tuned to find out if now is an ideal time for YOU to “stock up,” too! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! In light of the recent market pullback, Ricky is going to share why he thinks it's the right time to take advantage of low stock prices. He'll discuss some of his best bargain buys, his biggest portfolio wins and losses in recent years, and, most importantly, the four-step approach you can use to identify stocks that could be set to soar in 2025. If you're a regular listener, you know that Scott and Mindy are partial to stashing their money in index funds, sitting back, and watching their wealth snowball over the long haul. You might say that Ricky has a slightly larger appetite for risk, as he isn't opposed to picking stocks, timing the market, and getting out after three to five years. Stick around to find out if his strategy works! In This Episode We Cover Whether now is the time to buy stocks after the recent market pullback Ricky's four-step approach to finding value in the stock market Using insider buying activity to find potential investing opportunities How to prevent “tax drag” when buying and selling off stocks Reviewing Ricky's biggest portfolio wins and losses (Meta, Spotify, and more!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel Motley Fool Money Podcast Ricky's Twitter/X A Simple Path to Wealth One Up on Wall Street Get Fast, Affordable Landlord Insurance with Steadily Get $100 Off Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Grab Scott's Book, “Set for Life” Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerNews: Real Estate vs. Stocks, the Ultimate Wealth-Building Debate (00:00) Intro (01:09) The Recent Pullback (08:53) Hunting for Value (18:55) Portfolio Wins & Losses (24:58) Holding Periods & “Tax Drag” (30:18) Why Costco Is “Safe” (33:05) How to Pick Stocks (38:50) Connect with Ricky! (40:45) Do Your Research! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-620 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is your FI number TOO high? Whether you are ultra-conservative with your finances or want a lavish retirement lifestyle, setting a high bar could make your financial independence journey much harder…but not impossible. Today, we'll provide a roadmap for building massive wealth! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! With a six-figure income and a six-figure net worth at just 25 years old, Austin Crofoot should have no problem reaching financial independence by age 50, right? The only issue is that his FI number of $5,000,000 is much higher than most. As you're about to hear, he'll need to make several “bets” over the next few years, cross his fingers, and hope that at least one of them pays off in a huge way. Like many in the FIRE community, Austin also wants to avoid the middle-class trap. Scott and Mindy will show him how to balance his retirement accounts with a mix of cash, brokerage accounts, and real estate investments—giving him the financial flexibility to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and retire on his terms. Stick around to hear how Austin can take advantage of a rebounding housing market by taking on assumable mortgages with rock-bottom interest rates! In This Episode We Cover The “levers” Austin needs to pull to reach his $5,000,000 FI number The roadmap to achieving financial independence by age 50 How Austin built a six-figure net worth by just 25 years old Building wealth by taking on assumable mortgages with low interest rates Why the Austin, Texas housing market is poised to bounce back in 2025 Reducing your taxable income to maximize Roth IRA contributions And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-616 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If there's an issue that keeps aspiring early retirees up at night, it's the dreaded middle-class trap. At just 28 years old, this financially savvy couple is already looking for ways to avoid this issue. Whether you're just starting your FIRE journey or approaching early retirement, we'll show you how to do the same in today's episode! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! So far, Leah and Zach Landis are doing everything right. They earn high incomes, they spend very little, and they invest the difference. Well on their way to retiring early, they plan to quit their jobs by age 45 or sooner! But will their current asset allocation get in the way of their big goal? What kind of bridge will they need to tide them over until traditional retirement age? Will having children impact their financial freedom? Fortunately, Leah and Zach have all kinds of options. Tune in as Scott and Mindy dive into the couple's budget and discuss their best path forward. Along the way, we'll debate whether they should pause their 401(k) contributions, double down on brokerage accounts, and deploy their cash savings on their “dream” home! In This Episode We Cover Breaking down Leah and Zach's best path to FIRE by 45 (or sooner!) The middle-class trap explained and how to avoid (or escape) it The BEST ways to invest your cash and make it work harder for you How much you should expect to pay in taxes once you reach retirement When to stop growing your 401(k) plan (and where to invest instead) And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel BiggerPockets Money 219 - Syndications: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Invest Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Get $100 Off Your Tickets to BPCON2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada Buy the Book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 456 - The Harsh Reality Real Estate Syndications (and Investors) Face in 2024 Connect with Leah Connect with Zach (00:00) Intro (01:05) Leah & Zach's Money Journey (08:20) Money Snapshot (12:27) Buying the “Dream” Home (18:33) Best Ways to Invest Cash (26:51) Avoiding the Middle-Class Trap (36:28) Maxing Out the 401(k) & HSA (47:06) Don't Get Trapped! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-613 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is something stopping your FIRE? Today's guest wants to retire early at 35, but with a shaky budget, extra expenses, and a problematic rental property, her path to early retirement isn't clear. In today's episode, we'll break down her finances and help her get back on track! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Sarah earns a great salary and diligently saves for retirement each month. You'd think she's on pace to leave her W2 job in a few years, but there's one problem—she has more expenses than the average person. Financially responsible for two extra family members, Sarah pays for their mortgage, food, and lifestyle, all while covering her own expenses! Does Sarah's financial situation need a major shake-up? Tune in as Scott and Mindy debate whether it's time for Sarah to part with a property that's bleeding money, strategize about when to put it on the market, and discuss what to do with the money from the sale. We'll also touch on the tough conversations Sarah needs to have with family members if she wants to achieve her retirement goal! In This Episode We Cover The three things Sarah must do to achieve her goal of FIRE by 35 How to reach your financial goals despite extra expenses What to do with a rental property that has negative cash flow The BEST time to put an investment property on the market How to budget for future children (family planning 101!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook BiggerPockets Money YouTube Channel Find Investor-friendly Tax and Financial Experts Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Achieve FIRE with Scott's Book, “Set for Life” Sign Up for the BiggerPockets Money Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 12 – How to Become an “Overnight” Success in 10 Short Years with David Greene Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-609 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the four-percent rule actually work? On paper, yes. So why don't more people put it to the test? Today's guest retired at forty-seven years old and is living proof that the math really does check out. Stay tuned to find out how! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Bobby Beck has done what so many in the FIRE community are seemingly unable to do—he actually retired on the four-percent rule! What's more? He did it while living in the Bay Area, one of the most expensive markets in the US. What gave him the confidence to leave his job and never look back? While “One More Year Syndrome” keeps many people from retiring early, Bobby's mantra of “take a year” compelled him to take a leap of faith. Even though his retirement portfolio took a sixteen-percent hit right before he retired, he weathered the storm, and sure enough, the market rebounded! Now, Bobby lives the life people dream of when they discover FIRE. He has a comfy lifestyle, travels multiple times a year, and only checks his portfolio once a month. If you need the motivation to call time on your career and put your retirement date on the calendar, you don't want to miss this episode! In This Episode We Cover How Bobby and his wife retired on the four-percent rule (at age 47!) Why the FIRE community overestimates how much they'll owe in taxes How to beat “One More Year Syndrome” and actually retire early Growing your brokerage accounts and cash to avoid the middle-class trap The portfolio allocation that will give you the confidence to retire And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Follow BiggerPockets Money on Instagram “Like” BiggerPockets Money on Facebook Sign Up for BiggerPockets Momentum 2025 to Reach FIRE Faster Maximize Your Real Estate Investing with a Self-Directed IRA from Equity Trust Learn How to Retire Early with Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How Much Do You Need for Early Retirement? (How to Calculate Your FI Number) (00:00) Intro (01:03) Retired at 47! (05:49) Bobby's Portfolio (08:35) Real Estate Investments (17:05) Withdrawals & Tax Strategies (26:45) 100% Stock Portfolio (34:36) What Does Your Life Cost? (39:47) The 4% Rule Works! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-605 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do we focus too much on just one type of wealth? What if the key to a happy life isn't retiring early, ascending the corporate ladder, or having more money than you know what to do with? Serial entrepreneur Sahil Bloom spent years chasing money, only to find that it didn't provide happiness—it robbed him of it. Find yourself in the same boat? This episode is for you! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Sahil joins the show to discuss the core concepts from his latest book, The 5 Types of Wealth. Many FIRE-focused folks believe that financial wealth unlocks time, social, mental, and physical wealth, but Sahil is living proof that this isn't the case. In this episode, he shares about his own journey from financial illiteracy to financial independence, the different levers he pulled along the way, and how he was able to dig himself out of a rut that was slowly destroying his life. Whether you're stuck on the happiness hamster wheel, burned out at your nine-to-five job, or lacking in any area beyond money, you're not alone! Sahil will show you the “x factor” that leads to financial freedom, the best and most scalable side hustles to start, and how to transition from your W2 to entrepreneurship! In This Episode We Cover The five types of wealth explained (and why you shouldn't focus on just one!) The “x factor” that catapults you from a decent living to financial freedom Why increasing your income is more important than controlling your expenses The number one thing the FIRE community gets wrong about building wealth How anyone can start (and scale) their own online business in 2025 Steps every person must take to lay a strong financial foundation The “safety net” you need when moving from stable W2 income to entrepreneurship And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group The 5 Types of Wealth  Sahil's Instagram Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations Buy the Book “Pillars of Wealth” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How to Build, Grow, Scale, & SELL Your Online Business (00:00) Intro (01:02) Sahil's Money Journey (03:18) Building a Financial Foundation (13:29) Leaving the Fund & Moving Home (21:43) The “Scalability” of the Internet (28:09) Structuring His Company (33:18) The 3 Pillars of Financial Wealth (39:09) Riding Out the Market (43:40) The 5 Types of Wealth (46:08) Connect with Sahil! (47:03) Build “Well-Rounded” Wealth! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-604 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buying a house, maxing out your 401(k), and leveraging real estate can help you achieve financial independence. But suppose your goal is to retire early. Could relying too heavily on these principles actually delay early retirement? Today, we're going to show you how to break free from the “middle-class trap” that stops so many from retiring early!  Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Is most of your net worth “stuck” in home equity and retirement accounts? This is a widespread issue in the FIRE community. On one hand, you could sell your home or refinance your mortgage to tap into your equity, but interest rates are too high! Meanwhile, you can't withdraw money from your 401(k)—not without incurring severe penalties. In theory, you could already be a millionaire but have little to no cash flow to fuel your retirement. So, what should you do? In this episode, you're going to learn all about the middle-class trap, how to avoid it, and, if you're in it, how to get out! Mindy and Scott will share the “ideal” portfolio for an early retiree and the bridge accounts you need to retire today. Finally, is the FIRE community wrong about the 100% index fund portfolio? Stay tuned to find out! In This Episode We Cover The middle-class trap explained and how to avoid (or escape) it The “ideal” investment portfolio for the early retiree Tweaking your asset allocation to achieve financial freedom The power of owning a paid-off rental property in retirement Bridge accounts and investments that will allow you to retire today Why a 100% index fund portfolio could come back to bite you And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Land More Off-Market Deals with Crucial Property Owner Contact Information from DealMachine Achieve FIRE with Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders BiggerPockets Money 554 - Should I Pay Off My Mortgage or Invest? (We Did the Math) (00:00) Intro (00:42) What Is the Middle-Class Trap? (03:42) The “Ideal” Retirement Portfolio (10:31) Scott's Path to Financial Freedom (16:13) Mindy's Early Retirement Roadmap (24:12) The Power of Paid-Off Property (29:18) Middle-Class Trap “Timeline” (33:55) Share YOUR Portfolio! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-602 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From over $300,000 in debt to a millionaire in just eight years?! No matter where you're at, it's never too late to get on the path to financial freedom. This entrepreneur is proof that a little discipline, frugality, and creativity can radically change your financial trajectory! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we're speaking with Bernadette Joy, founder of Crush Your Money Goals. In 2016, Bernadette had dug herself a six-figure hole—a combination of student loans, credit cards, and mortgages—simply by listening to bad money advice. But in just THREE years, she paid off all of her debt and has since built a net worth of $1.8 million! How did she create such an enormous swing in less than a decade? In this episode, she'll show you the exact steps she took so that YOU can do the same! Want to accelerate your journey to FIRE? Bernadette has all kinds of budgeting tips, debt paydown strategies, and side hustles that will help you reach your financial goals much faster. Stay tuned to learn how to wipe out your debt as quickly as possible, save for retirement, and even make an extra $100 a day alongside your nine-to-five job! In This Episode We Cover How Bernadette paid off $300,000 in debt in just THREE years Making an extra $100 a day with side hustles (while working a W2 job) The three-bucket, zero-based budget that balances frugality and freedom Using the “snowball” method to pay off student loan debt faster Whether you should keep a large cash position (or invest it!) How to manage financial anxiety on the road to financial independence And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Grab Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 586 – Average Net Worth by Age (How Do You Compare?) Connect with Bernadette   (00:00) Intro (00:59) Getting Into $300K of Debt (04:52) The Zero-Based Budget (14:00) Starting Side Hustles (18:33) Making an Extra $100/Day (24:44) Bernadette's Portfolio (37:47) Connect with Bernadette! (39:16) Crush Your Money Goals! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-598 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Do I have enough to retire?” is a question most people in the FIRE community grapple with, but today, we're sharing a FREE tool that will help you put this issue to bed! If you're concerned about running out of money later in life or developing “One More Year Syndrome,” you won't want to miss this episode! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Software engineer Lauren Boland has developed a FIRE calculator that predicts whether your nest egg will be able to support you in retirement. This powerful tool takes dozens of key data points—such as your financial independence number, retirement age, annual expenses, portfolio mix, and historical returns—to simulate multiple retirement scenarios. In this episode, Lauren, Scott, and Mindy are going to walk you through this powerful tool, step-by-step! Does the four-percent rule still work in 2025? How much do you really need to save for retirement? Whether you're just starting your quest for FIRE or looking to tweak your investment portfolio as you approach retirement, cFIREsim will show you where you stand and what you might need to adjust to meet your retirement goals! In This Episode We Cover A step-by-step walkthrough of Lauren's FREE cFIREsim tool How much money you actually need to retire early Reverse-engineering your financial independence number Whether you can still retire on the four-percent rule in 2025 How to ensure that your money not only lasts but also grows in retirement And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group cFIREsim Tool Lauren's Bluesky Social Security Administration Get to FIRE Faster with Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How Much Do You Need for Early Retirement? (How to Calculate Your FI Number) Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-597 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ramit Sethi, the money and couples' finances expert, is back! This time, he's teaching you how to have life-changing money conversations with your partner so you can build a “rich life” together and even FIRE faster! You may know Ramit from his popular book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich, or his Netflix series How to Get Rich, but today, he's sharing brand new insights, techniques, and lessons from his newest book, Money for Couples!  If you're a FIRE freak like us, you may have a partner who's having a tough time getting on the same financial page as you. You see their eyes glaze over as you pull up spreadsheets, talking about compound interest and the savings from switching to non-organic broccoli. We're sure it's well-intentioned, but this could be doing more harm than help. If you want to enjoy getting “rich” with your partner, have more time to do the things you love, and build your wealth as a partnership instead of constantly persuading your other half, this is the episode to catch! Ramit shares his “script” for having crucial money conversations, diagnoses which “money type” you fall into, and gives the steps to escape the “Middle-Class Trap”!  In This Episode We Cover How to start a “money conversation” with your partner (EVEN if they aren't into FIRE) The money dates you must have to get on the same page  The four “money types” and how knowing yours can strengthen your relationship  What the FIRE movement gets wrong about money (it's not all about dollars and cents!) Escaping the “Middle-Class Trap” of not being able to retire EVEN when you're wealthy The most surprising thing that Ramit has learned about money in most relationships  Why Ramit rents and has NO INTEREST in buying a house!  And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Grab Scott and Mindy's Book, “First-Time Home Buyer” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 243 - Ramit Sethi's Money Advice for Couples: Live a Rich Life, Together BiggerPockets Money 73 - Ramit Sethi Will Teach You to Be Rich! BiggerPockets Money 127 - Planning for the Unexpected: Being Financially Ready to Take Advantage of Opportunities w/Ramit Sethi Money for Couples How to Get Rich  Ramit on X Hear Ramit Interview Mindy “We achieved FIRE with $4.3M. Why can't we enjoy it?” (00:00) Intro (01:01) Ramit is Back! (03:49) The Money Conversation "Script" (09:50) What Couples Should Do (12:28) Your Money "Type" (19:06) Hard Money Talks (24:32) Do You Do This? (30:17) Escaping the "Middle Class Trap" (42:43) Most People DON'T Know This! (46:29) Renting vs. Buying a House (59:52) STOP Caring What Others Think (1:03:07) Grab Ramit's Book! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-595 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Preziosi wants to reach financial independence by the age of forty-five, and with several hundred thousand dollars in retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and savings, she's on pace to do just that. But now, she's thinking about quitting her W2 job. Can she still hit her FI goal? Today's guest has good problems, but problems, nonetheless! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Since we last spoke with Alex, she has made two major leaps on her journey to financial independence. First, she has taken up house hacking, which pays for most of her mortgage in an expensive area of the US. But that's not all. She has also grown her side hustle as a real estate agent into a full-fledged business, where she now earns more than she does at her W2 job! These moves have only widened the gap between her income and her expenses, and, as a result, she's sitting on an even bigger pile of cash. Now, Alex finds herself at yet another crossroads. Is her W2 holding her back? Should she pursue full-time entrepreneurship while she has such a strong cash position? Stay tuned as we dive into the numbers and try to figure out Alex's best path to FI by forty-five! In This Episode We Cover The best path for Alex to reach financial independence by forty-five When to leave your W2 job and pursue full-time entrepreneurship How to lower (or eliminate!) your housing cost with the house hacking strategy Where to invest a large amount of cash (stock market versus real estate) Tax strategies that could help you save a fortune over your lifetime And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group How to Talk to Anyone Buy Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 395 – Finance Friday: House Hacking, Side Hustles, and the Path to FI by 45 w/Alex Preziosi Connect with Alex (00:00) Intro (01:14) Alex's Money Journey (04:26) House Hacking Numbers (08:01) Money Snapshot (14:24) Leaving Her W2? (23:30) Buying More Rentals (29:57) Alex's Investing Strategy (36:13) HUGE Cash Position (43:21) Connect with Alex! (44:57) “Unlock” Your Potential!   Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-589 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many people struggle with money anxiety, even those in the FIRE community. Your money fears could keep you on the sidelines, or it could have the opposite effect, making you ultra-conservative with your retirement savings. Today, we're diving into five of the most common financial fears, whether they're worth fretting about, and what to do about them! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Do you ever worry about your finances? You're not alone! Maybe you're concerned about your FIRE number being too low and running out of money in retirement. Maybe you've wondered whether you'll ever be able to afford a house or if the “grind” to financial independence is even worth it. We've pulled the most common concerns about money and are going to respond to each of them in today's show! Tune in to learn how much money you actually need to comfortably retire, how to deal with burnout on the journey to FIRE, and if you're “missing out on life” by practicing frugality in your youth. Scott and Mindy will even debate whether the returns from real estate investing are worth the trouble of managing rental properties! In This Episode We Cover How much money you actually need to retire (and if the four-percent rule still works) Renting versus buying a house amidst today's high home prices and interest rates Whether the “grind” to early retirement is worth it (and what you should do if it's not!) Active versus passive real estate investing (and which delivers the highest returns) Whether you “miss out on life” by living frugally and racing toward retirement And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Money 455 – REITs: How to Make Real Estate Money WITHOUT Owning Rentals Rent vs. Buy Spreadsheet The Passive Real Estate Investing Show The 1% Rule “Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data” Try Baselane, the One Platform for All Your Property Banking & Finances Buy Scott and Mindy's Book, “First-Time Home Buyer” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money 522 – How to Get PAID to Live in an Affordable City & Fast-Track Financial Freedom (00:00) Intro (01:27) “Missing Out” on Life (08:01) Running Out of Money (15:41) High Housing Costs (24:10) Low Rental Property Returns (32:13) Burnout Before FIRE (34:19) What We're Reading! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-587 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you still haunted by that Cleveland Browns jersey you never asked for? Or maybe you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for the money nerd in your life? Fear not! Joe, OG, Doug, Mindy Jensen (from BiggerPockets Money), and Jesse Cramer (from Best Interest) are here to save the day with a sleigh-full of gift ideas that won't end up in next year's white elephant exchange. This episode is stuffed with creative ideas, from meaningful experiences and insightful book recommendations to practical subscriptions and quirky mugs that'll light up the eyes of any financially savvy friend. As the holiday banter flows, OG takes the trivia crown, and Mindy and Jesse share stories, laughs, and plenty of cheerful banter. Whether you're buying for your favorite money nerd—or looking for ideas to add to your own wishlist—this episode is your guide to holiday shopping success. Episode Highlights Festive introductions and holiday banter Special broadcast from YouTube HQ: The Stacking Benjamins Show goes live! Exploring financial independence and how it shapes gift-giving Meet the guests: Mindy Jensen and Jesse Kramer join the basement party Gifts for money nerds: From the practical to the quirky The great debate: Experiences vs. material gifts Financial board games that teach (and entertain!) Trivia time: Holiday and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer fun Uncovering the story behind Rudolph's red nose Gift ideas galore: Books, subscriptions, and unique finds for the finance-minded Farewells and podcast highlights to brighten your season From laughs to lightbulb moments, this episode is packed with inspiration to make your holiday gift-giving easier—and way more fun. Tune in and start stacking those holiday wins!

Do you want to buy a rental property in 2025 but fear money could get in the way? Putting 15%-20% down is a huge hurdle for new investors, but there are several strategies you can use to limit your expenses, grow your income, and even put LESS money down. If you want to know how to save for a down payment as quickly as possible, you need these money-saving tips! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Before you can invest in real estate, you need to lay a solid financial foundation, and today, personal finance expert, master live-in flipper, and co-host of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen, joins the show to weigh in on this crucial topic. Do you have your spending in check? Are you finding ways to grow your income? How's your credit score looking? Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to level up your finances, we'll share some actionable steps you can take toward buying property in 2025. We'll also talk about ways to leverage your retirement accounts to buy real estate, whether you should pay down debt before investing, and other investments (that aren't real estate) that could help you build wealth! In This Episode We Cover: ow to go from ZERO dollars saved to a full down payment for a rental property Whether you should pay off your debt before investing in real estate Creative ways to grow your income so that you can save money faster How to avoid a 20% down payment when buying your first property Leveraging your retirement accounts to buy passive real estate investments How to build wealth with other investment vehicles (beyond real estate) And So Much More! Links from the Show Ashley's BiggerPockets Profile Tony's BiggerPokckets Profile Join BiggerPockets for FREE Real Estate Rookie Facebook Group Real Estate Rookie YouTube BiggerPockets Money 97 – Intentionally Choosing the Path to Financial Independence with Financial Mechanic BiggerPockets Money 35 – Hacking Your Life to Live for (Almost) Free with Craig Curelop Qube Money Buy the Book “Real Estate Rookie” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders BiggerPockets Money 110 – Systematically Increasing Income and Intentionally Decreasing Spending with A Purple Life Connect with Mindy (00:00) Intro (01:13) Laying a Financial Foundation (06:10) Saving for a Down Payment (12:58) How to Grow Your Income (22:59) Other Investment Avenues (28:24) Leveraging Retirement Accounts (31:58) Paying Off Debt vs. Investing (41:07) Connect with Mindy! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-492 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is frugality overrated? Is hustle culture a waste of time? Do we over-save for retirement? You don't have to look very far to find a hot take online, but is there some truth to these opinions? Today, we'll wade through bad financial advice, bust common money myths, and (hopefully) find some personal finance tips we agree with! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Personal finance is personal for a reason. Spending, saving, and investing vary from one person to the next based on their habits, risk tolerance, and season of life. But how much advice is just flat-out wrong? In this episode, Mindy and Amanda Wolfe are breaking down some of the internet's wildest views on money. First, we'll share some of the biggest lies we were told about money when we started our financial independence journeys—like “the stock market is too risky” and “you should work until age sixty-five.” Then, we'll dive into seven controversial opinions and whether there's any validity to them. Should FIRE-focused folks ever take work sabbaticals? Is a one or two-month emergency fund enough in 2024? Is being a lifelong renter ever a savvy move? Which takes do we oppose, and which advice is actually worth following? Stay tuned to find out! In This Episode We Cover The biggest lies about money Mindy and Amanda used to believe Whether work sabbaticals are a smart use of money on the journey to FIRE The case against budgets and why you probably have one (even if you think you don't) Whether Americans save TOO much money for retirement (and why!) Why it's not overkill to keep a six-to-twelve-month emergency fund in 2024 The costs of buying a house and whether renting is ever the better retirement play And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Money 97 - Intentionally Choosing the Path to Financial Independence with Financial Mechanic BiggerPockets Money 110 - Systematically Increasing Income and Intentionally Decreasing Spending with A Purple Life Amanda's Website Reach FIRE Faster with the Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Do You Need Debt to Reach FIRE? How to Use Leverage to Build Wealth (00:00) Intro (00:58) Money Lies We Used to Believe (03:25) Sabbaticals Are “Irresponsible” (07:33) I Don't Budget! (11:47) We Save TOO Much (19:54) Frugality Is Overrated (25:45) Hustling Is a Waste of Time (32:23) I'd Rather Rent Than Buy (34:57) Your Emergency Fund's Too Big (41:42) Connect with Amanda! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-584 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could a few years of aggressive saving put you in the fast lane for financial independence? Is the grind even worth it? Today's guest was well on his way to a comfy retirement but had never thought about retiring early. Then he discovered the FIRE movement, and with just four years of all-out hustle, he was able to retire at fifty! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! In 2020, Eric Reinholdt experienced a financial “awakening” that set him on a death march to FI and early retirement. For four years, he minimized his spending, maximized his savings, and threw every extra dollar at his investments. Today, he's “chubby FI,” has a paid-off house, and is recently “retired”— working just ten hours per week on his own business while preparing to travel the world in 2025! But was the glamorous destination worth the grueling journey? Should Eric have started earlier or slowed down to reach his FI number? Tune in to hear about the major lifestyle changes he and his wife made to accelerate retirement, the different levers he pulled to grow his nest egg, and the steps you might need to take if you want to replicate his success! In This Episode We Cover How this entrepreneur reached “chubby FI” by the age of fifty When to slow down and enjoy the journey to financial independence Flexing your “spending muscle” while saving for an early retirement Why building your own business gives you a huge “buffer” for FIRE Why you need monthly financial check-ins with your significant other What Eric plans to do in retirement (and why he's NOT giving up work entirely!) And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Support Today's Show Sponsor, Connect Invest, the Alternative Way to Earn Passive Income Through Real Estate Buy Scott's Book, “Set for Life” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders FIRE by 50: How to Have FUN on Your Journey Toward Early Retirement (00:00) Intro (01:25) Discovering FIRE (05:01) Major Lifestyle Changes (14:15) High Income + Low Expenses (22:53) “Retired” at Age 50 (27:08) Eric's Investment Portfolio (33:35) Life in Retirement (37:14) Connect with Eric! (38:06) A “Cheat Code” for Wealth! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-581 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is paying off debt or investing (and potentially using more debt) the best way to reach FIRE? The average American has $104,215 in mortgages, student loans, credit cards, and other debt. Where do YOU stand? If the end goal is FIRE, you need a game plan for your debt, in which case this episode is for you! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Not all debt is bad. When used responsibly, it can be a powerful tool that allows you to buy appreciating assets and hedge against inflation. Today, guest co-hosts Kyle Mast and Amanda Wolfe join our panel to share their thoughts on debt. We'll share how much debt we each have (ranging from zero to millions), how our philosophies on debt have evolved, and how debt can ultimately help you reach FIRE. But that's not all. We'll also discuss the types of bad debt that could derail your FIRE journey and the investments you don't want to be stuck with during an economic downturn. We'll even get into the most important financial protection against debt risk—savings and reserves—and why these funds should grow proportionally to your debt! In This Episode We Cover Paying off debt versus investing (and which strategy is best for FIRE) Why well-leveraged debt is one of the best long-term hedges against inflation The types of debt that could propel you toward an early retirement “Bad” real estate investments you don't want to be holding during a market downturn The most irresponsible uses of debt (that you should avoid at all costs!) Why you should always grow your savings and reserves in tandem with debt How much debt WE have (and how our opinions on debt have changed) And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Buy Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Pay Off Student Loans or Invest in Real Estate: Which Makes You Wealthier? Connect with Kyle Amanda's Website   (00:00) Intro (01:23) How Much Debt WE Have (06:15) Paying Off Debt vs. Investing (13:46) Starting Your FIRE Journey (21:51) Debt Strategy 101 (31:38) “Unreasonable” Debt (38:23) Bad Real Estate Investments (46:48) Key Takeaways (50:18) Connect with Kyle and Amanda! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-580 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Should you move to reach FIRE? And if so, where to? In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain and revealing the best places to retire in the US in 2024. Living in one of these states could help fast-track financial freedom, and moving there for retirement could help your nest egg go further and improve your quality of life! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Alex Gailey, a lead data reporter at Bankrate, has ranked all fifty states for retirement based on five weighted “buckets” made up of dozens of crucial data points. Today, she joins the show to share her findings with us. Whether you're looking to put down roots in a low-cost-of-living area or find a location that delivers your ideal retirement lifestyle, this list of states is a useful launching point for one of the most important life decisions you'll ever make! In this episode, you'll learn how changing your address could accelerate your financial independence timeline and allow you to retire early. Alex will break down the five factors people value most in retirement—affordability, well-being, cost and quality of healthcare, weather, and crime. Stay tuned to find out which states came out on top and which states you might want to avoid. The results even surprised us! In This Episode We Cover Breaking down Alex's list of best (and worst) states to retire in the US How to accelerate your FI timeline simply by changing your address The top five “buckets” that make up an ideal retirement destination The most crucial factors to consider when choosing where to retire How to take advantage of unique opportunities in high-cost-of-living areas And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Support Today's Show Sponsor, Connect Invest, the Alternative Way to Earn Passive Income Through Real Estate Best and Worst States for Retirement Alex's Twitter/X Buy Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area How to Get PAID to Live in an Affordable City & Fast-Track Financial Freedom (00:00) Intro (01:26) Alex's Criteria (05:05) Best and Worst Places to Retire (11:38) Biggest Surprises (22:32) Retiring in an Expensive Area (29:10) Connect with Alex! (29:43) Accelerate Your FI Timeline! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-578 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can attack financial independence from one of two angles. You can create a strict timeline for achieving FIRE, or you can calculate your FIRE number and take your time with it. Which approach works best, and should you ever move the goalposts? Stay tuned to find out! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Scott and Mindy are reflecting on their journeys to financial freedom—how they started, set realistic objectives, and allowed those objectives to evolve. They'll also share about the major “events” that propelled them toward their goals, the big lifestyle changes they have made since reaching financial independence, and the ONE thing they wish they had done differently! Whether you're starting from zero or already on your way to FIRE, there are some personal finance fundamentals you've got to master: lowering your expenses and increasing your income. This combination will allow you to save more money, multiply your investments, and accelerate your FI timeline. But that's not all. You'll also hear about the job “trap” that keeps so many people from reaching FIRE, and why time (NOT money) is the resource we're all actually chasing!  In This Episode We Cover The crucial figure you need to pin down before setting your FI timeline Why time, not money, is the resource every FIRE-focused person really wants When to move the goalposts on your quest for financial independence The job “trap” that holds you back from FI (and how to get out of it!) The two-pronged strategy that will accelerate your path to early retirement Spending less and earning more (so that you have more money to invest) Scott and Mindy's number one “regret” from their aggressive pursuit of FI And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Buy Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area BiggerPockets Money – Episode 563: Why Aren't More “Normal” People Achieving FIRE? (00:00) Intro (00:49) The FI Timeline (06:59) Lifestyle Changes After FI (10:25) Getting Your Spending in Check (17:14) Low Expenses + High Income (24:40) Escaping the Job “Trap” (31:04) Creating Milestones (37:50) Share Your Journey with Us! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-576 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate investing is one of the best vehicles for building wealth, reaching financial independence, and saving for retirement, but you don't need to become a full-time investor to reap the benefits. If you have no plans to leave your W2 job or manage rentals, there are several ways to use real estate for passive income! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! When Devon Kennard entered the NFL, he ran into more money than he had ever made. But with no guarantee of a pay raise or second contract, Devon forewent the flashy car and multi-million-dollar home and started saving and investing instead. Shortly after buying his first rental property, Devon realized that he was going to need passive or semi-passive income streams if he wanted to have success on the football field. He landed on four different types of passive investments that have helped him scale his portfolio to twenty-nine doors and over forty syndications! In this episode, Devon talks about the importance of increasing your income in your working years and why small wins make all the difference early on in your investing journey. You'll also learn about the dangers of “shady” real estate syndications and how to properly vet an operator, as well as the differences between fast and slow money! In This Episode We Cover A step-by-step walkthrough of Scott's new “Keep or Sell Your Home” worksheet Two realistic examples of when to sell your home or keep it as a rental property The numbers you need to make a rock-solid decision on your investment property The crucial question you should ask before keeping or selling your home How ONE decision can impact your future by hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more!) And So Much More!   Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Put Your Vacation Rental on Autopilot with Hospitable Buy the Book “Real Estate by the Numbers” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Download the “Keep or Sell Your Home” Worksheet Millions of Americans Should Keep Their Homes as Rentals, Not Sell. Here's Why (00:00) Intro (05:11) Using the Worksheet (12:15) How Much Would You Make? (14:36) Breaking Down Your Options (20:08) Keep or Sell This Property? (29:11) The “BiggerPockets” Homeowner (34:54) Try the Worksheet! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-571 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real estate investing is one of the best vehicles for building wealth, reaching financial independence, and saving for retirement, but you don't need to become a full-time investor to reap the benefits. If you have no plans to leave your W2 job or manage rentals, there are several ways to use real estate for passive income! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! When Devon Kennard entered the NFL, he ran into more money than he had ever made. But with no guarantee of a pay raise or second contract, Devon forewent the flashy car and multi-million-dollar home and started saving and investing instead. Shortly after buying his first rental property, Devon realized that he was going to need passive or semi-passive income streams if he wanted to have success on the football field. He landed on four different types of passive investments that have helped him scale his portfolio to twenty-nine doors and over forty syndications! In this episode, Devon talks about the importance of increasing your income in your working years and why small wins make all the difference early on in your investing journey. You'll also learn about the dangers of “shady” real estate syndications and how to properly vet an operator, as well as the differences between fast and slow money! In This Episode We Cover How Devon scaled his real estate portfolio while playing in the NFL Four passive real estate investing strategies you can use today Speeding up your financial independence timeline with real estate side hustles Fast money versus slow money (and which bucket you should be filling) The pros and cons of syndications and how to weed out “shady” operators And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Support Today's Show Sponsor, Connect Invest, the Alternative Way to Earn Passive Income Through Real Estate Buy Devon's New Book “Real Estate Side Hustle” Property Manager Finder How to Make Truly Passive Income with “Syndication” Real Estate Connect with Devon (00:00) Intro (07:56) Saving $1M in 3 Years! (15:37) Making “Small” Bets (21:08) Passive Real Estate 101 (31:59) Devon's Portfolio & Strategy (39:17) “Shady” Syndications (45:56) Commercial Investing (47:08) Devon's New Book! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-571 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Much Do You Need for Early Retirement? (How to Calculate Your FI Number) Podcast Description What's your financial independence number (FI/FIRE number)? Are you being too conservative, or are you cutting things close? Do you even have one? Today, we're taking a deep dive into this hotly debated topic to help you build a nest egg that will support your early retirement!   Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! How much money do you actually need to retire? For years, the four-percent rule has been the “official” stance of the FI community. But why is it, then, that so many people continue saving and investing when they can comfortably retire? In this episode, Scott and Mindy talk about their own FI numbers, how they calculated them, and how their financial positions have evolved over time. You'll learn whether the four-percent rule still works today or if you need a larger buffer!   If you're worried about inflation, one of the best things you can do is keep your living expenses in check. This might seem out of your control, but there are several ways to either lock in certain costs or eliminate them entirely. We'll discuss the many advantages of a paid-off house, self-managing your rental properties in retirement, and a one-time investment that could help you save thousands of dollars over your lifetime! In This Episode We Cover How to calculate your financial independence number (and when to adjust it!) The four-percent rule explained (and whether it still works in 2024) Why most people chasing FIRE don't retire on the four-percent rule How to control your expenses and protect against inflation in retirement The “home run” investment that could save you thousands of dollars And So Much More! Links The 4% Rule: The Easy Answer to “How Much Do I Need for Retirement?” (00:00) Intro (01:18) Calculating Your FI Number (07:37) Does the 4% Rule Work? (15:32) Locking in Your Expenses (22:40) How to Combat Inflation (31:48) Retiring on a Different Portfolio Mix Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-570 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do many wealthy people wait so long to retire? Despite earning a physician's salary, living frugally, and saving what most would call “more than enough” money, today's guest worked for another four years before pulling the trigger on early retirement. Is he on to something? Does the four-percent rule no longer work in 2024? Stay tuned to find out! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Leif Dahleen, MD, the “Physician on FIRE,” was already financially independent when he discovered the FIRE movement. But rather than calling time on a successful healthcare career, he continued to beef up his nest egg. Why? Leif had determined that he needed forty-to-fifty times his annual expenses to feel comfortable walking away from his nine-to-five. Do more FI-focused folks need to follow Leif's formula to account for the unknown? We've all dreamed of what a day in the life of an early retiree might look like. Leif had his own expectations, but in this episode, he shares what he discovered when his schedule was suddenly clear. You'll also learn about the mindset high-income earners need to avoid squandering wealth, and why putting down roots in a low-cost-of-living area could be the difference between fast-tracking retirement and keeping up with the Joneses! In This Episode We Cover Why most people DON'T retire on the four-percent rule (even though it works!) Fast-tracking the path to early retirement in a low-cost-of-living area How to actually leave your W2 job once you have enough money to retire Why earning a high income doesn't guarantee FIRE (and common pitfalls to avoid!) Choosing the right retirement withdrawal strategy for your financial situation Why Leif won't adjust his retirement lifestyle as he continues to build wealth And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE Email Mindy: Mindy@biggerpockets.com Email Scott: Scott@biggerpockets.com BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Physician on FIRE Buy Scott's Book “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area See Mindy and Scott at BPCON2024 in Cancun! How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? (00:00) Intro (01:58) Leif's “Unfair” Advantage (06:33) Leaving the Medical Profession (12:42) Funding His Retirement (15:09) Does the 4% Rule Work? (23:37) Adjusting Your Retirement Lifestyle (29:23) Retirement Expectations vs. Reality Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-569 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Young, old, or in between, you need to hear this episode! Today's guest paid off over $80,000 of debt, grew her net worth to $100,000 and did it all just years after graduating from college without a sky-high income. How did she make such quick progress, and what's her secret to skyrocketing her net worth early in her career? She's sharing it all in this episode, and you (no matter your age) can follow her repeatable path, too! Want to see your net worth leap so you can fast-track your road to FIRE? Anna Foley is the person you should listen to. Through common-sense smart spending, diligent investing, and salary-increasing career pivots, Anna and her partner went from $80,000 debt to debt-free and finally hit six-figure net worth status. The best part? They did all of it WITHOUT giving up what makes life enjoyable, and they still sport a phenomenal savings rate! Anna is sharing how she saves a significant portion of her income every month, why she decided to rent (not buy) a house, how “paying yourself first” can get you debt-free before you know it, and why she does NOT follow the traditional advice of chasing a “FIRE number.” In your twenties? Copy Anna's plan! Closer to retirement? Follow Anna's smart saving and investing tactics, and you can get there faster!  In This Episode We Cover How to become debt-free and achieve a six-figure net worth before you're thirty!  Why Anna decided to rent a house, not buy one, to maximize her savings  What Anna invests 100% of her income in (it's not real estate!) The “middle-class trap” to avoid when maxing out your retirement accounts  Why you DON'T need a FIRE number, and why Anna's more achievable goals work better  Boosting your income and why job-hopping can explode your income-generating potential  And So Much More! Links from the Show Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Join BiggerPockets for FREE @five20money on Instagram PassivePockets BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets Money 97 - Intentionally Choosing the Path to Financial Independence with Financial Mechanic BiggerPockets Money 110 - Systematically Increasing Income and Intentionally Decreasing Spending with A Purple Life BiggerPockets Money 558 - How to Start Investing for Retirement: 401(k), IRA, Roth? BiggerPockets Money 560 - Dude ACTUALLY Withdraws From His 401(k) and Retires at 47 Email Your Savings Rate to mindy@biggerpockets.com!  Support Today's Show Sponsor, BAM Capital, Your Path to Generational Wealth with Premier Real Estate Investment Opportunities Reach FIRE Faster with “Set for Life” Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area See Mindy and Scott at BPCON2024 in Cancun! Finance Friday: How the “Middle-Class Trap” Stops Your Early Retirement Connect with Anna (00:00) Intro (01:10) Investing Right After College (03:00) Rent, Don't Buy! (08:58) Paying Off $80K in Debt (12:42) Investing for Financial Independence (16:16) Saving a TON! (21:11) Better Than a “FI Number” (25:27) Boosting Your Income (27:19) Do This FIRST! (29:11) Connect with Anna! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-567 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has BiggerPockets Money become too focused on FIRE (financial independence, retire early)? For the past seven years, we've been bringing you shows highlighting the journeys of those who left their jobs to enjoy early retirement.Some of these guests did it faster than others by making more money, increasing their frugality, investing smart, or building a business. But the question many of our listeners are wondering is: Is this even possible for the average, “normal” person? Today, we're taking a hard look at the show's future and asking ourselves whether or not focusing on FIRE is still the right path forward. Should we shift topics to help the everyday American get a financial leg up, or is continuing the FIRE-focused path the best way to help YOU, our listener? This isn't a rhetorical question; we genuinely want to know! After this episode, join the BiggerPockets Money Facebook group thread, and let us know which stories YOU want to hear the most!  In This Episode We Cover Why the BiggerPockets Money Podcast rarely brings on “normal” guests achieving FIRE Can anyone achieve FIRE, and if so, how do they get there? The four financial levers you can pull to put you on the path to financial freedom  The advanced financial tactics BiggerPockets Money teaches you to grow your wealth What to do if you feel like you can't make any progress towards early retirement And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggerPockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders BiggerPockets Money Group BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group BiggerPockets Money 63 - Financial Freedom With 5 Kids IS Possible with Jordan Klint BiggerPockets Money 130 - Refusing to Retire at 65: How a Couple in Their 40s Managed to Hit FI in 12 Years w/Susan and Norm Episode 560 - Dude ACTUALLY Withdraws From His 401(k) and Retires at 47 w/Eric Cooper Get on the Path to Financial Independence with “Set for Life” See Mindy and Scott at BPCON2024 in Cancun! What Is the FIRE Movement? 00:00 Intro 02:16 Talking Too Much About FIRE? 08:59 FIRE Isn't For Everyone 11:53 What is FIRE? 16:27 Can You Hit FIRE Being "Normal"? 22:42 Who Should Listen to BP Money? Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-563 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once you hit Coast FI, you don't need to worry about retirement. While traditional FIRE may take a bit more extra work, Coast FI allows you to let your foot off the gas and enjoy life NOW, knowing that you'll be set for retirement by the time you're sixty-five. Lisa hit her coast FI number at the (very) young age of twenty-seven, and she will have millions of dollars waiting for her in retirement, even if she stops investing now. How'd she do it so quickly? When her father challenged her to save $100K by age twenty-five, Lisa said, “Why not!” She hit the goal—actually, she got there two years earlier! After much saving and significant sacrifice, Lisa had a six-figure net worth in her early twenties. From there, she began heavily investing in her retirement accounts, which now boast over a quarter of a million dollars, and she's on track to have half a million at thirty! How did Lisa get so far ahead of the average twenty-seven-year-old, and what can you teach your kids, grandkids, nephews, nieces, or siblings to get them on the same path? Tune in because Lisa shares how to save $100K, the easiest way to invest for retirement, the tax-free account that will make your future self rich, and her best advice for growing wealth at a young age. Support today's show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!  In This Episode We Cover How to save $100K in just a few years (even if you're starting your career) The tax-free retirement account you can't afford to overlook Coast FI 101 and how to hit it early so you can enjoy spending again The sacrifice of saving and whether or not it's worth it to go fully frugal Index fund investing and why it's one of the easiest ways to start investing Lisa's retirement portfolio and exactly what she's investing in now And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Connect with Amanda The Simple Path to Wealth—Index Funds Explained with JL Collins See Mindy at BPCON2024 in Cancun! BiggerPockets Money 124 - Starting From $0 at Age 35 as a Teacher and Becoming ‘The Millionaire Educator' 00:00 Intro 01:37 Early Financial Education 03:53 $100K by 25 Challenge  07:08 Sacrificing to Save  10:26 Current Salary and Spending  13:13 What She Invests In  15:15 Coast FI at 27 21:45 Save Your First $100K! 24:56 Follow Her Lead!  Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-553 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can take your time to reach financial independence, but why wait? With a combination of hard work, savvy investing, and additional income streams, today's guest reached FI by the age of twenty-eight. In this episode, she provides the blueprint that teachers and other middle-class workers can use to fast-track their financial goals! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Brooke Coughlin is a business owner, real estate agent, investor, and author. But, just FOUR years ago, she was a seventh-grade teacher earning a $40,000 salary. The key to her rapid success? Brooke's workday starts at 5 a.m. and ends well after 10 p.m. This relentless work ethic has helped her build a successful cleaning business, sell over $100 million worth of real estate, and pen her very own book! Now, working from sunup to sundown isn't for everyone. Perhaps you just want a reasonable nest egg for a comfortable retirement or some money to pass down to your children. Whatever your financial goals, there are all kinds of helpful nuggets to take away from today's episode. You'll learn about the first steps of entrepreneurship, how to build a business or side hustle alongside your W2 job, and how to become financially free from any starting point! In This Episode We Cover How Brooke went from a $40,000 salary to financial independence in FOUR years The BEST ways to increase your income while working a nine-to-five job What teachers should do today to build a nest egg for retirement The first steps you must take to become a successful entrepreneur How to build a real estate business that allows you to leave your W2 job And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Connect with Brooke on Instagram Preorder Brooke's Book, “She Closes Deals” 00:00 Intro 00:58 Supercharging Her Income 09:49 Juggling a HEAVY Workload 12:00 Brooke's Real Estate Portfolio 16:03 What's Brooke's End Goal? 25:06 Connect with Brooke! 25:50 Start Building Your Nest Egg! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-522 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we in a recession? Are we headed for a recession? No one knows for certain, but you can never be too prepared for an economic downturn. Are you saving money? Do you have a plan in the event you lose your job? In today's episode, we'll help prepare you for anything that might be thrown your way! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Amidst economic uncertainty, there are two steps you must take to weather tough times: build an emergency fund and brace for a potential layoff. Today, Mindy and guest co-host Amanda Wolfe are bringing you their best money tips for getting through a recession. First, they'll show you how to pad your emergency fund by saving hundreds on groceries each month, negotiating your bills, and eliminating unnecessary expenses from your budget. Believe it or not, it might even be time to cut back on aggressive debt paydown or extra 401(k) contributions! Next, they'll help you with a potential job search. You'll learn how to get your resume seen by more employers and determine your market pay rate. But that's not all. Stick around until the end to learn why staying with your current company—regardless of whether your job is at risk—could cost you millions of dollars over your lifetime! In This Episode We Cover How to get your financial house in order before an economic decline Calculating how much money YOU need for an emergency fund How to slash your food bill by hundreds of dollars per month The BEST places to find money and bolster your savings How to start preparing for a new job today (before you lose it!) When to cut back on “extra” payments and retirement contributions Why staying at your current job might be costing you millions of dollars And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Try Amanda's Free Emergency Fund Calculator Connect with Amanda on Instagram Enjoy Ebooks and Audiobooks with Libby Enjoy Ebooks and Audiobooks with Hoopla Check Out Market Pay Rates with Glassdoor See Mindy at BPCON2024 in Cancun! BiggerPockets Money - Episode 110: Systematically Increasing Income and Intentionally Decreasing Spending with A Purple Life 00:00 Intro 02:19 Building Your  11:31 Slashing Your Grocery Bill 17:22 Negotiating Bills & Auditing Purchases 27:56 The “No-Spend” Challenge 33:52 Preparing for a New Job 42:53 Send Us Your Money Tips! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-548 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You could be missing out on the chance to earn passive income from your home (and other rentals!) with a “no-brainer” money move. This investing strategy is picking up steam and could become one of the big trends in real estate this year. Today's guest was one of the early adopters, and it carried him to FIRE by his late thirties! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, we're chatting with “That ADU Guy,” Derek Sherrell. Right before the 2008 housing market crash, Derek left his contracting job behind and returned to school to become a firefighter. Little did he know that this career move would provide the time, freedom, and connections to launch a full-blown side hustle alongside his W2 job. Before the age of forty, Derek became financially independent, with the ability to retire early, all thanks to this simple strategy. Since then, he has made it his life's mission to inspire countless others to do the same! In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Tune in to learn why the combination of serial house hacking and some kind of “secret sauce” (in this case, ADUs) is perhaps the easiest path to FIRE. Derek will tell you everything you need to know about buying, building, and renting out ADUs—from financing these units to scaling your business! Support today's show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!  In This Episode We Cover Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) explained (and how they create passive income) Why the modified serial house hacking strategy might be the easiest path to FIRE How to completely replace your W2 income with cash flow from ADUs How to easily (and affordably) convert a single-family home into a duplex Why ADU investing could be one of the biggest investing opportunities in 2024 How to get your spouse on board with your real estate investing strategy And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Check Out Derek's Website Derek on BiggerPockets 00:00 Intro 02:31 Life with FI & Current Portfolio 06:06 Derek's Money Journey 12:26 Changing Careers & Building Wealth 18:21 Buying the “Lucky” House 28:14 House Hacking with ADUs 37:20 3 ADU Investing Strategies 49:06 Derek's BIG Mission 55:58 Connect with Derek! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-547 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The road to financial independence isn't always linear, but stoicism might be the secret ingredient that keeps you on track. This ancient philosophy gets a bad rap, but with its framework as your financial “operating system,” you'll be able to weather all kinds of storms! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Today, Darius Foroux is a business owner, landlord, financial educator, and the author of eight books. But as a boy, he watched his family live paycheck to paycheck for many years. Vowing to one day become wealthy, Darius started saving every penny possible, only to find that practicing staunch frugality could only take him so far. After more than a decade of hard work and sacrifice, he had just $10,000 to his name and, after student loans, a negative net worth. But in 2015, Darius made a seismic mindset shift that propelled him to FI in just FIVE years! In this episode, Darius dispels the myth that stoicism is about suppressing emotions and lacking empathy. Instead, you'll learn that its tenets revolve around creating balance, staying grounded, and changing how you respond to things beyond your control—virtues that are congruent with building wealth. But that's not all. He will also show you how to increase your income, gain a “stoic edge,” and invest your money in 2024! In This Episode We Cover How Darius went from a low net worth to financial independence in FIVE years Why reaching FI is easier with stoicism as your “operating system” Why investing in yourself and learning new skills is the KEY to higher income The three steps for gaining a “stoic edge” that helps you build wealth faster The BEST way to start investing in the stock market in 2024 And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Grab Darius' Latest Book, The Stoic Path to Wealth Connect with Amanda on Instagram 00:00 Intro 03:24 Darius' Money Journey 11:16 Negative Net Worth & the “Aha!” Moment 22:25 Stoicism in Personal Finance 32:11 Building Wealth with Stoicism 41:36 How to Start Investing in 2024 47:04 Reaching FI & Retiring Like a Stoic 52:46 Connect with Darius! 53:19 Find Joy in the Journey! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-546 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reaching financial independence and becoming a millionaire before the age of thirty?! While this path requires several years of ruthless saving, smart investing, and unwavering discipline, there's no reason why YOU can't enjoy financial freedom and attain the lifestyle you want! Shortly after graduating from college with over $50,000 in student loans, Franklin Zheng found himself working a grueling, eighty-hour-per-week factory job. Fortunately, it was also around this time that he discovered BiggerPocketsand decided to try his hand at real estate investing. He started attending local meetups, where he learned that simply getting in the same room with other investors presented all kinds of opportunities. It wasn't long before Franklin had found his future investing partner, and in just FIVE years, he has built a cash-flowing real estate portfolio of thirty-eight units, as well as a business that has allowed him to leave his W2 job and travel the world! In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, you'll get a glimpse of what it takes to achieve financial independence and amass a one-million-dollar net worth. Make no mistake—it's not easy. Franklin will be the first to tell you that the last five years have been filled with all kinds of successes, challenges, and failures. But if he can do it, YOU can, too! In This Episode We Cover How Franklin reached financial independence by thirty in just FIVE years What you MUST know before investing in commercial real estate Fast-tracking your real estate journey through the power of local meetups How to start a real estate business that allows you to leave your W2 job The secret to forming successful real estate investing partnerships How to defer capital gains tax on your rental property with a 1031 exchange And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder Connect with Franklin on BiggerPockets See Scott and Mindy at BPCON2024 in Cancun! Check Out the Top 100 Cash Flow Markets Find a Local Real Estate Meetup Find Answers to Your Real Estate Questions on the BiggerPockets Forums 00:00 Intro 01:10 The 80-Hour Factory Job 08:17 Real Estate Meetups & Partnerships 16:48 Renting to Attorneys 19:32 Selling the Office Building 23:07 “Unicorn” Rentals & 38 Units! 29:14 Starting the Lending Business 32:47 Leaving His W2 & Traveling the World 36:27 Put in the Work! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-544 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to retire early? You don't have to wait until age sixty-five. With a few cash-flowing assets and smart money moves, you could accelerate your path to retirement and enjoy your riches much sooner than you thought possible! Welcome back to the BiggerPockets Money podcast! Derek has worked hard to build a $1.7 million net worth and a portfolio of six rental properties. The only problem? He wants to retire at age fifty. In this episode, Mindy and expert investor David Greene from the BiggerPockets Real Estate podcast work together to get Derek on the fastest path to early retirement. If he plays his cards right—redeploying some of his “lazy” home equity, increasing his cash flow, and starting a profitable business or side hustle—he could reach FIRE in just seven years! Are you wary of today's sky-high mortgage rates? We share an investing strategy that allows you to buy real estate notes at a deep discount and potentially acquire properties that are worth so much more! You'll also learn how to use your 401(k) retirement funds today without incurring tax penalties. Finally, you'll hear about the power of starting a business and reinvesting your profits! Support today's show sponsor, BAM Capital, your path to generational wealth with premier real estate investment opportunities!  In This Episode We Cover Creative money strategies that will fast-track your path to early retirement How to leverage your 401(k) retirement funds today without tax penalties Boosting your cash flow by converting properties into short-term rentals How to start a business with low money (and where to reinvest your profits!) How to (potentially) acquire valuable rental properties at a HUGE discount When you should hire someone to help manage your real estate portfolio And So Much More! Links from the Show BiggerPockets Money Facebook Group Network with Other Investors on The Path to FIRE Through the BiggerPockets Forums Finance Review Guest Onboarding Join BiggerPockets for FREE Mindy on BiggerPockets Scott on BiggePockets Listen to All Your Favorite BiggerPockets Podcasts in One Place Apply to Be a Guest on The Money Show Podcast Talent Search! Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Find Investor-Friendly Lenders Property Manager Finder How to Access Retirement Funds Early Check Out J Money's blog, “Budgets Are Sexy” Check Out Nick Loper's podcast, “The Side Hustle Show” Hear David on the "BiggerPockets Real Estate" Podcast BiggerPockets Money - Episode 443: The Entrepreneur's Guide to FI: A Day in the Life of a Finance Blogger BiggerPockets Money - Episode 520: The BEST Side Hustles You Can Start in 2024 (Outside of Real Estate!) 00:00 Intro 01:45 $1.7M Net Worth! 10:20 Derek's Money Snapshot 18:26 7 Years to FIRE 29:37 Moving “Lazy” Equity 39:42 Note Investing 101 48:45 Starting a Business Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/money-539 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices